For hiking you can not beat the single cell AAA maglite's. I find that anything brighter destroys my nightvision. It was also the lightest & smallest flashlight I could find that is somewhat durable. Then again, I cut the handle off my tooth brush to go hiking to save weight and size. If I am base camping and not hiking it is a 6 cell maglite and a surefire Z2 combat light. Lights are like knives. You need many specialized ones for different jobs.